A Celebration of Summer

Summer is something to revel about especially for those of us living in cold climates. The long days of summer invite us to break out of our routine, to relax in the sunshine and simply enjoy living. For most people, the longest day of summer means a barbecue, football match or trouble getting the kids to bed. You know it’s summer in Washington Stateof delicious food filters through the air. It’s time for camping, picnics, weddings, birthdays, and grand balls. Seattle folks sure know how to feel good about themselves, let their hair down and party, party, party. They never seem to stop and they seem to have this uncanny ability not to let their problems get the best of them.

Lately I noticed that the leaves in my backyard are starting to fall. The falling leaves signal the coming of the cold season. But I have a long list of activities that have just concluded and more to come. Seattlelites are beating the coming end of summer. I will share with you my stories about the parties I’ve attended as well as the other coming events before summer 2008 comes to an end. We all look forward to enjoying the rest of summer and make the most of the sunshine.

Josie & Erly Leyva Celebrates 45^th Wedding Anniversary

It gives me always the pleasure of writing about couples who kept their promise to remain together “till death do us part.” We always hear couples filing for divorce and this happens even to the best of couples. Divorce is out of Erly’s and Josie’s mind. True they have had arguments typical of a married couple but that’s not enough reason to file a divorce. They will keep their vows for as long as they live, so they say.

Erly, an accountant, works for the City of Seattle while Josie keeps herself busy with her real estate business. Josie is a very active board member of the Filipino Community of Seattle. She is one those responsible in serving good food on Mondays as part of the FCS nutrition program. The couple celebrated their 45^th Wedding Anniversary with a dinner-dance party at the FCS.

Prince Onting Pendatum Celebrates 65^th Birthday

Those who do not know Prince Onting Pendatum of Arabic Muslim descent, is also known as the “Dancing Prince.” Ponciano (Onting) Paalisbo celebrated his 65^th birthday and official retirement with a grand party at the Filipino Community Center on August 2, 2008.

When Onting came out of the ballroom with an entourage of selected friends in black and white outfits, he was garbed in an all-white ceremonial outfit. After performing the Muslim rituals, Onting offered a solemn prayer. This was followed by a special dance by the celebrant and entourage. After dinner, the guests were entertained by a dance exhibition by Wilson and AJ, Kaleigh Alejaga Lang and Jesse, Adonis and Ellen.

Guests danced the night away with the music provided by RetroZone.

22^nd Annual FAANPS Grand Ball

The Filipino-American community of Everett marked the 22^nd anniversary of the Filipino American Association of North Puget Sound (FAANPS) with a grand ball held at the U.S. Naval Station on August 16, 2008. It was an evening dedicated to the accomplishments of FAANPS students. Scholarship awards, chaired by Julie Sharp, were given to Athena Galdones, Lucas James, and Alleyna Morales. Andrew Viray, a 2003 scholarship awardee, did a noble act by donating back the scholarship money he received in 2003 to motivate future awardees to do the same and help the organization in funding its scholarship program.

In the history of FAANPS, Alan Viray is the first to hold the position of President for two terms. His leadership brought unity and team work in the Association. He will be succeeded by Joe Consul as FAANPS president in 2009.

Live music was provided by the Hardline Band. Incidentally, I’ve always wanted to feature the Hardline Band in my column but I never had the chance to do so. It was very timely that the Hardline band played at the FAANPS grand ball. My table was near the band so I was able to talk to the male vocalist, Andre.

The Hardline Band is very popular with the Filipinos who frequent the Tulalip Casino and the Muckleshoot Casino where they are normally scheduled on weekends. The group plays set selections of favorite and popular Latin, salsa, rock classics and Top 40.

The Hardline Band is the ultimate high energy party band playing a diverse mix of popular dance music drawing from the hits of 70’s through the 90’s to current hits of today. On Sunday, August 31, the band played at the Red Wind Casino’s Coho Cabaret. The cabaret is Red Wind Casino’s premier show place for entertainment events. The ambience of true cabaret experience enhances the enjoyment of live music shows. Visit Coho Cabaret. Tulalip Casino, or Muckleshoot Casino and have a fun time with the Hardline Band.

Katrina Llorente Turns 18

Katrina shared her thoughts with a beautiful quote, “Life is not measured by the amount of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.” When Katrina celebrated her birthday with a debutante’s ball at the China Harbor on August 29, 2008, she would remember the event as very memorable and really took her breath away. She could not ask for more. Her parents, Jojo and Myrna Llorente made sure their daughter celebrates her debutante’s ball in accordance with the Filipino tradition to mark Katrina’s transition to womanhood.

Katrina, with her escort, Emmanuel Matthews, and parents, Jojo and Myrna, came out of the ballroom in a very elegant evening gown. The debutante’s debut is not complete without the traditional Cotillion, 18 roses, 18 candles and presentation of 18 Treasures, and the father and daughter dance,.

Katrina recently graduated high school from Henry M. Jackson High School. She plans to earn a degree in nursing to follow her mother’s footsteps. However, she plans to pursue further studies in Pediatrics. Katrina’s mom comes from Pangasinan while her dad is a bicolano. Katrina has a very strong bond with her brother, Christopher.

At the conclusion of the program, it was time for Katrina to say “thank you” to all those who made her birthday celebration a memorable evening. The well-coordinated program was managed by Wimar Magsino. Tita Ganda and Joie were the evening’s hosts.

LUAU FUNDRAISER BY IDIC

The social hall of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in South Seattle transformed into a Hawaiian setting last Friday, August 22. The International Drop-In Center (IDIC) held its annual Luau fundraiser. The UMC social hall was bursting with colors. Guests came in their colorful Hawaiian outfit with matching leis. As I partake of the food, I was reminded of the song, “Killing me Softly.” Lots of lechon, meatballs, and desserts ready to invade my health system.

IDIC is a non-profit organization. Under the leadership of its Executive Director Sluggo Rigor, the Center provides a wide range of programs such assistance with the preparation of legal documents, health advice, fitness and nutrition programs. IDIC provides seminars and workshops of interest to senior citizens such as citizenship classes, preparation of government documents like immigration and naturalization requirements.

The success of the Luau fundraiser was the product of the coordinated efforts of the IDIC members with Dolly Castillo and Lumen Pagulayan as event coordinators.

It’s Picnic Time

When the cold season comes, I will be missing the fun of camping and picnics. Different Fil- Am groups are trying to beat the end of summer as they hold their annual picnic celebration. The Tagalog Circle headed by President Rudy dela Cruz had its annual summer picnic at the Cedar Riverview Park in Renton on August 9. The Coalition of Filipino American Organizations (COFAO) held its annual summer picnic at the Gene Coloun Park in Renton on Saturday, August 23. Not to be outdone, FAANPS capped the picnic celebration last Saturday, August 30 at the Legion Park in North Everett. One thing common in all the picnics I attended is the food – enormous food. When it’s time to go home, we still have lots of “food to go.” But it’s not all food. There were parlor games, entertainment, and even “mahjong.” What a treat! See you next year for another celebration of summer!